If you are sensitive about medical matters, you may prefer to skip over this post. Just note that COVID-19 might cause you to lose an eye, and move on resolved to avoid catching the infection. In fact, our main purpose in writing about Mucormycosis maiming Indian COVID patients is to achieve that goal. You could greatly improve your hopes during the pandemic by wearing a face mask, sanitizing, and keeping your distance.
A Quick Introduction to Mucormycosis Fungal Infections
Mucormycosis (Zygomycosis) is a serious, but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes according to CDC. This particular fungus is common in the environment. However, it usually only takes hold of people who have health problems, or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness.
In the event it succeeds in planting an infection, Mucormycosis usually affects the lungs or sinuses. However, the fungus can also enter through an opening in the skin after a burn, cut or another type of open injury. On May 8, 2021 Hindustan Times reported a number of cases in the Indian city of Ahmedabad which is a pandemic hotspot. In severe cases, the only reliable way to get rid of the fungus appears to be to remove it surgically.
Uptick in Mucormycosis Maiming Indian COVID Patients
Mucormycosis has been on the rise among COVID patients in Ahmedabad for the last couple weeks, according to local doctors. BJ Medical College alone has 67 cases, and 45 of these are on schedule for surgery. However, the Hindustan Times plays down talk of a major outbreak.
It cites a senior ENT surgeon saying the disease mostly affects patients with a pre-existing condition like diabetes. This is especially the case with diabetics who have been subjected to immuno-suppressive medicines during Covid-19 treatment, or have cancer or run the risk of contracting it.
BBC India correspondent Soutik Biswas tells the tale of a badly infected patient who recovered from COVID three weeks ago. In her case, the Mucormycosis maiming Indian COVID patients invaded her eye, and surgeons will have to remove it. We don’t know what anti-COVID precautions the 25-year-old woman took. However, we do know they are a wise thing to keep doing, during this pandemic time.
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Preview Image: Mucormycosis in Focus